Our story

The North East Anti-Racism Coalition formed in 2024 as an informal group of volunteers appalled by the riots in our region that summer. It’s since developed into a small movement with ambitions to grow much bigger and to publicly push back against the growing racist rhetoric and violence that is blighting many parts of the North East.

Mission: To make the North East a region that actively opposes racism, and hatred based on religious identity.

Strapline: A fairer, anti-racist North East – made stronger by the talents of all its people.

Vision: That the North East is a place where diversity is celebrated, inclusion the norm, and everyone feels safe and valued.

Our 5 goals

1. Build a strong and visible anti-racist movement
  • Speak out and be visible.
  • Draw people into the movement, with a menu of ways to engage.
  • Offer ways in which people and organisations can show their commitment to our mission.
  • Hold events, support local activists, and share good ideas.
  • Work with public services, businesses, and community organisations.
  • The movement should be led by those with lived experience of racism or hatred based on religious identity, but welcome everyone who supports the cause.
2. Support local community work to build understanding in our neighbourhoods
  • NEARC won’t directly deliver projects but will support those who do.
  • Map what’s happening locally.
  • Share and celebrate good work.
  • Promote learning and best practice.
  • Identify and support local community champions.
3. Change public attitudes through a long-term campaign
  • It could take 15 years to make a big difference.
  • The goal is to shift mindsets and build confidence in anti-racism.
  • It will need strong visibility, good research, long-term commitment (like the “Time to Change” mental health campaign), and proper investment.
4. Give practical help to organisations
  • Support employers, schools, media, and researchers to be more inclusive.
  • Provide training, toolkits, and advice.
5. Build a knowledge and evidence hub
  • Gather and share lived experiences.
  • Carry out and share research on racism and anti-racism.
  • Support decisions based on evidence.
  • Track the region’s changing population.
  • Commit to learning and using the best available evidence in our work.

Our Planning Group

Ngozi Lyn Cole

Ngozi Lyn Cole Consultancy

Mark Davis

Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency

Jill Baker

Lloyds Bank Foundation

Menisha Gela

Shahda Khan

Neil Denton

Durham University

Peter Deans

Connected Voice

Faty Kane

The Angelou Centre

Nitin Shukla

Jennie Pitt

Newcastle Building Society

Hamid Motraghi

NHS North East And North Cumbria ICB

Gemma Ptak

Hartlepool Borough Council

Thank you to our funders & sponsors